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Fight for Youth Jobs!
On Thursday, February 18th, the steps of the State House will belong to Boston's youth. And it will be hard to ignore their call.
The rally to prevent cuts in teen jobs programming is led in part by the Dorchester Bay Youth Force, the Hyde Square Task Force, and other youth-serving organizations that are a part of the Boston Youth Service Network.
As budget shortfalls continue to plague the state budget, there are many that believe the best way to cut costs is to take character and skill-building jobs away from young people and toss them out on the street.
One such line-item on the chopping block is the YouthWorks Teen Jobs program which supports the Boston Youth Fund and a host of other valuable job programs. It has already seen its funding cut by $4 million in recent years, and it simply cannot absorb additional cuts without devastating the ability of non-profits such as HSTF to provide
life, academic, and career skills to disadvantaged youth in our community.
Join us on Thursday, February 18th, from 2-5PM at the State House to stand up for youth jobs!
For more information, see the flyer below, or contact Chrismaldi at 617.524.8303 or chrismaldi@hydesquare.org.
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We Three Kings...
Err, we two kings, and one queen, that is, visited the John F. Kennedy Elementary School on January 6th as part of the annual El Dia de los Reyes (Three Kings Day) celebration. These young royals were on a mission to spread holiday cheer and a message of the importance of literacy.
HSTF's Youth Literacy Tutors organized the event, which added a new twist this year. All the elementary school students received a copy of the 'Seedless Elementary,' the children's book written by the teen tutors to promote good nutrition and proper fitness habits. The book has been a year-long project of the YLTs who hope to take the book on tour to local libraries, schools, and community organizations to teach young people across Boston the importance of responsible decision-making.
But just in case some of the children felt a little disappointed that they only received a book, Hyde Square Task Force youth also distributed additional presents to the after-school program participants, along with snacks (healthy, of course) to help make the Epiphany a joyous one for all.
For more information about 3 Kings Day or the Youth Literacy Tutors, contact Ana at 617.524.8303 or ana@hydesquare.org.
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Smile, Leo! Youth and staff from the Hyde Square Task Force donned their crowns and paid a visit to the Kennedy Elementary as part of the annual 3 Kings Day celebration.
(Photo courtesy of the Jamaica Plain Gazette.)
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Dominican Independence Day
It was February 27th when Juan Pablo Duarte and the Trinitarians declared Dominican independence. Now, 165 years (and 364 days) later, the Hyde Square Task Force is kicking off this year's celebration!
Start the party early as members of HSTF's Dominican Youth Project host an independence event with food, music, games, dance, and the opportunity to learn about the rich culture and history of the Dominican Republic.
What: Dominican Independence Celebration
When: Friday, February 26th (the day before Dominican Independence Day) from 4-8PM
Where: English High School, 144 McBride Street,
Jamaica Plain
For more information, contact Carla at 617.524.8303 or carla@hydesquare.org.
To view the event flyer, click here. (en español.)
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El Planeta Honors Claudio Martinez
Congratulations to our Executive Director, Claudio Martinez, for recently being named as one of the 100 Most Influential People for Latinos in Massachusetts as part of the Lo Mejor de El Planeta (The Best of El Planeta) awards!
 The honor was in
recognition of Claudio's amazing leadership of the Hyde Square Task Force, as well as his service on the Boston School Committee, and his efforts to improve English language learning among immigrant populations in Boston Public Schools.
As always, we're immensely proud of the work Claudio has accomplished, and all that he continues to work to achieve!
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All of the recipients of this award are helping to create a stronger Massachusetts and we applaud their efforts. To see a list of the other winners, click here. |
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Quick Links:________________
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Spotlight On:
John Reynolds,
Culture for Change
Artist in Residency
Join us in welcoming the newest member of the HSTF Music Clubhouse team, John Reynolds!
John will be leading the HSTF Culture for Change Choir, an an initiative of the Barr Foundation in
collaboration with Health Resources in Action that promotes youth engagement
and social justice through the creation of music and art.
John will lead 15 youth as they uncover the historical, cultural, and social justice contexts of a wide range of music, and then take what they have learned to create several original choral pieces. The choir willl present their finished product at a series of community events, including a joint showcase with our Ritmo en Accion dance troupe and at HSTF's Summer Nights Out event series.
"Social justice is at the heart of this project," says John. "We'll talk about the issues young people face, but music will be the vehicle we use to make change."
John recently received his Master's degree from the New England Conservatory of Music. He has worked with the Boston Children's Chorus, Urban Voices, and Zumix.
What's playing on John's iPod right now? Astrud Gilberto, if you find yourself in need of some relaxation.
John can be reached at 617.524.8303, or via the HSTF Music Coordinator Aimee Tejeda at aimee@hydesquare.org.
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In Our Community:
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Nature In Your
Neighborhood
Saturdays, 12-1PM
Join the Boston Nature Center's
teen ambassadors for a closer look at local ecosystems. Hands-on
activities for adults and children. 500 Walk Hill, JP.
Info:
983-8500 or
www.massaubon.org/boston.
Spontaneous Salsa Sundays
Sundays, 2PM
Beginners and intermediates welcome,
no partners necessary. Spontaneous Celebrations, 45
Danforth St, JP.
Info: 816-1369.
Connolly Branch Library Reading Tuesdays
Monday, February 22, 6:30PM
Family Pajama Storytime, Connolly Branch Library, 433 Centre St.
Info: 522-1960
Employment Program
If you live in JP and are looking for a job
or want a better job, Jobs for JP may be able to help. A program of the
Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Development Corporation.
Info: 522-2424
x.240.
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Become a
WEPA Belle!
Do you know any middle-school aged girls that need a place to make friends, talk about their lives, and get involved in fun physical fitness activities like self-defense classes? Then call us about
WEPA Belles!
The program meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30-5:30PM. There is no cost!
For more information, contact Maxiel or Ana at 617.524.8303 or ana@hydesquare.org.
To read the program flyer, click here.
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